Diabetes can lead to kidney disease because it triggers inflammatory mechanisms that, over several years, cause chronic inflammation in the kidneys and can eventually lead to scarring, notes Dr. Amaya Caviedes Aramburu, a nephrology specialist at ABC Medical Center.
High blood pressure, on the other hand, makes the heart work harder, which over time can damage blood vessels, including those in the kidneys, affecting their function as well.
Mexico’s Ministry of Health reports an estimated kidney disease prevalence of 12.2% in Mexico, with a mortality rate of 51 deaths per 100,000 people; in most cases, this is preventable, since it typically results from poorly managed hypertension and diabetes, as well as obesity or other chronic conditions.
Scarring in the kidneys means the damage is irreversible. This scarring causes the loss of tissue that would normally filter toxins from the blood. Once scarring has occurred, patients develop chronic kidney disease, which can lead to uremia, a set of signs and symptoms including nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, leg swelling, a metallic taste when eating, tremors, or dizziness.
These are the most common symptoms in patients who already have chronic kidney disease, which is classified as end-stage at this point, since it now requires ongoing dialysis, with no possibility of reversing the damage.
What can be done, notes Dr. Caviedes, is to slow or halt disease progression by managing the factors that drive it forward. This includes managing stress to help control diabetes, which can be supported through physical activity. Keeping blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure under proper control is also essential.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the leading causes of kidney damage worldwide, but both conditions can be prevented or caught early to avoid future complications.
Finally, Dr. Caviedes notes that the most important step is to see a specialist, who will order lab and imaging tests, such as blood work and an ultrasound, to determine whether diabetes or high blood pressure has caused any kidney damage.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
